Darleen Mary Swift-Potter

WATERVILLE – Darlene Mary Swift-Potter LADC, CCS of Waterville passed away from a serious illness in the hospital on Sunday Jan. 11, 2026, with family at her side.

Darlene was born on Saturday Dec. 6, 1958, to parents William Swift and Mary Swift (Sullivan), in Beverly Mass. She was one of seven children.

She was a passionate, kind, caring, and funny woman with a youthful spirit. Her quick-wit and well-timed jokes made her an endless well of love and laughter. She was a loving wife, exemplary mother, affectionate sister, thoughtful auntie, and unforgettable friend to all who knew her. The lasting warmth and light she brought into this world will be felt and embraced forever.

Married in 1977 to her lifelong partner, Bryan Potter, they began their lives together, traveling with him to Texas where he began his military career. Darlene had many talents and followed her passions with vigor, both privately and professionally. Starting out in journalism and radio, Darleen worked at the city desk for the Arkansas Democrat, a local newspaper where they were stationed at Little Rock Airforce base. From there, they moved with firstborn, Shannon, to Pease Airforce base in New Hampshire where Darleen began a career in radio at WHEB. They welcomed their second and third children, daughter Ammanda and son Jesse, while living in New Hampshire before returning to Maine permanently in 1985. They continued to travel to some of their favorite places like the Outer Banks in North Carolina with a shared love for the beach.

Darlene went on to attend beauty school to become a beautician while simultaneously developing a love for sewing; making children’s clothes, formal gowns, and reupholstering furniture. After becoming a master seamstress, she spent decades becoming the prolific quilter we all knew her as. On most days, you would find her sitting at one of her many beloved sewing machines, surrounded by stacks of vibrant fabrics, while joyfully working away on countless colorful quilting projects. She was an avid DIY enthusiast who was fond of redecorating and repurposing spaces.

She was a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox. She loved music and could name just about any tune. An expert in black-and-white films and television, she spent countless hours watching with daughter Ammanda.

In her 40s, she was determined to go back to school to become a substance abuse counselor. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire and ultimately opened a private practice at Railroad Square in Waterville – The ACME Counseling Cooperative. Through her private practice and quilting she touched many lives, making honor quilts for veterans and advocating for individuals through some of the toughest times of their lives.

“Life is your patchwork quilt, make it what you wish.”- Mommio

Bryan, Shannon, Ammanda and Jesse would like to recognize and remember all the family members that came and went before her and those that are still with us. We thank you for sharing this wonderful experience of knowing and loving her. She was so very special and will be dearly missed.

There will be an internment ceremony at the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery at 143 Blue Star Ave., Augusta, on Friday, Jan. 30, at 1 p.m. Remittance will be in the open-air cathedral at the top of the hill in the cemetery.

A celebration of life will take place on Sat. Jan. 31, at 1 p.m. at the Palermo Church, 322 Branch Mills Rd., Palermo.

To send condolences, please visit http://www.mommio.love

Services are under the care of Veilleux-Redington-Lawry Brothers, 8 Elm St., Waterville.